Wasserpolitik: Umweltminister Schneider will Großverbraucher von Wasser stärker belasten

Berlin, Germany - In response to the escalating effects of climate change, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is advocating for a comprehensive reevaluation of Germany's water policy. Speaking at a forum titled "Future Water" in Berlin, Schneider emphasized the need for a more efficient, forward-thinking, and equitable approach to managing the nation's water resources.

Instead of merely diverting water, he stressed the importance of retaining it within the landscape, for instance, through the restoration of peatlands. This necessitates substantial investments in water infrastructure, including reservoirs and advanced wastewater treatment facilities. Schneider urged the federal states to utilize funds from the 500-billion-euro infrastructure and climate-neutrality special fund to support these initiatives.

Furthermore, he proposed that those responsible for micro-pollutants, such as the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, should bear the costs associated with the expansion of wastewater treatment plants. "The investments must be fairly financed," Schneider stated, "not by consumers, but by the polluters." He advocated for a European solution, although he remained open to a national approach if necessary.

With growing water scarcity, large consumers like data centers would also need to pay more for water or invest in water-saving technologies, rather than competing with the basic needs of citizens. Schneider and EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall jointly issued a joint declaration at the forum, aiming to accelerate the implementation of European water laws and promote water reuse.